Adapting An Aussie To Living In An Apartment

by Delia
(Nesconset, NY)

Concerned... I have a 2 1/2 month Aussie puppy. We live in the suburbs, but in an apartment with no backyard. Is this breed adaptable to this type of environment? She is being crate trained. Worried she won't be happy. Advice please.

Comments for Adapting An Aussie To Living In An Apartment

Hi,well I have 2 Aussies and they lived with me in the house with the yard and in the apartment. To be honest they really want to be where we are. When I let them out form the house to do their business they come back as soon as possible. If Im not there they don't want to be there-thats how Aussies are. So I don't think if that matters. I don't crate my dogs and I will feel bad for crating my..dont know why. I let them go and sleep wherever that want but I know that people do that.The most IMPORTANT is : they need exercise!!!!!! At least 1h walk a day, they need to play outside and they need a mental stimulation. They are waiting for that walk. Apartment is not the issue here- the exercise is.Angie

AUSSIE IN AN APARTMENTby: Anonymous

Aussie are very active, needs a yard to run, very active,they need to be supervised a lot, they do not like to be left along with out the family. The are very protective with the family, The do not get along with other dogs unless you start early intermingle. These dogs are not for everyone, you have to show love and discipline at all times.

Aussie in a Apt..by: Gary & Cody

I had my Cody for 12ys, He did live in a house and back yard for half that time, then we had to live in apartments this was no problem at all. Cody was my life we did everything together, a lot of hiking in the woods, long walks on the beach, the dog park, long walks in the neighborhood before & after work. When he had to be alone he was just fine, I never had to house train him he trained himself! Cody was happiest when he was with me wherever that was, house or apartment or tent! Aussie's are very adaptable!

Aussieby: Anonymous

Who said that they don't get along with other dogs... really I have not heard that before! You have to socialize any dog.

Thank youby: Delia

Thank you all for your feedback. I am so concerned with the well being of my pup and your feedback has been helpful. Between work and not having a good place for her to run, it's weighed heavily on my mind.

It can be doneby: Anonymous

I have a two year old Aussie and we live in a 1000 sq ft apartment. For the first year we took him to a dog park, or a lake to swim every weekend. That would usually tired him out for a day or two. Plus walks, hiking at local parks, and fetch.

We do have a bit of space to play outside, but he has to be leashed. So I got a 25 ft retractable leash and we play catch, and fetch, and I chase him around while he plays keep away with his toy. I felt really bad making him play with the leash sometimes in his way, but I started it early on so he is used to it and he is just so happy to play he doesn't seem to mind. And of course we would walk everyday.

Unfortunately, I got sick about a year ago and I can't do as much with him as he needs. I adapted our play to games that are low effort for me, and high effort for him. I review his tricks and try to teach him new ones. We actually have little games we play when I'm laying in bed and not feeling well. So I always keep his mind active.

I try to get him to the dog park as often as I can. When we play inside I get him to jump and run up and down the halls as much as I can. When we walk I take a toy, so while I'm going at a slow pace he is zooming around chasing the ball or jumping up trying to tug the frisbee out of my hand. The long leash gives up a lot of options.

I know he needs more, but he is really happy. He never gets anxious, he doesn't really get into things. Every now and then he will grab a sock or hat and show it to me. It's like his threat, that if I don't play with him he will eat my things. And maybe once a month or so he will spend more time looking out the window and looking back at me, so I know he needs some longer outside time.

So super long story short. It's not optimal for the Aussie. But it can be done. You might have to be innovative.